By Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Concerned Women International Development Initiative ,CWIDI, in collaboration with the French Embassy Fund ,FEF, has organized a financial literacy and vocational skills acquisition training for marginalised young girls, women, including female sex workers, in Benue State.
The training, themed “Empowering Voices,” was designed to build the capacity of this vulnerable group with knowledge of their human rights, gender-based violence ,GBV, prevention, financial literacy, and digital marketing skills, while equipping them with practical vocational skills for sustainable livelihoods.
Over the course of eight days, more than 40 participants were trained in a wide range of income-generating skills including soap making, shampoo production, pastries, baking, hairdressing, nail fixing, wig making, facial makeup, gele tying, and preparing varieties of smoothies made from natural fruits.
Speaking at the event, Becky Gbihi, Senior Programme Officer at CWIDI, explained that the project is being implemented in two phases, with the first phase focusing on human rights and GBV prevention, while the second phase prioritizes financial literacy and vocational skills acquisition.
She said as part of the financial empowerment component, participants were supported to acquire National Identification Numbers ,NINs, and open bank accounts.
During the training, CWIDI partnered with Moniepoint officials, who assisted participants in opening accounts to enable safe savings and smooth business transactions as they transition into entrepreneurship.
Participants described the training as life-changing, noting that the skills gained would help them start their own businesses, earn a stable income, and achieve financial independence.
Two beneficiaries, Stella Fater and Terkumbur Msuur, expressed optimism that the knowledge acquired would provide them with financial liberation and the confidence to pursue their business goals.
The participants commended CWIDI and FEF for the initiative and called on government agencies and other development partners to replicate such programs, stressing that empowering vulnerable populations is key to improving the overall living conditions of communities.
